It's believed a small piece of contesting history will be made at the London & Southern Counties areas in Stevenage this weekend as Jersey Premier Brass become the first band 'off shore' band to play in the Championship Section contest.
21 years in the making
It's been an achievement 21 years in the making, as MD Tim Pritchard told 4BR.
"Representing the Island at the highest level was a pipe dream when we set out in 1997,"he said. "It was always something of a joke between us as we thought the Third Section would be our limit for a band that calls home a rock just 8 miles by 4!
Signing new players hasn't been an option so we have produced our own — from cornet players to BBb tubas. As a result we are perhaps the most close-knit band in the country as everyone shares the same outlook."
18 still with us
Tim added: "18 of the players on stage this weekend will have played with the band back in 2005 when we became the Third Section National Champion.
Sunday will be a special moment for us on what will be our 21st birthday. We have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of 'Odyssey' and are aiming to surprise a few people, not least ourselves!"
18 of the players on stage this weekend will have played with the band back in 2005 when we became the Third Section National ChampionMD, Tim Pritchard
Open rehearsal
The band will be holding an open rehearsal at Stopsley High School in Luton, on Saturday 17th March, joining up with the Luton Youth Service Brass Band for a pre-contest concert.
